A well-known New Orleans judge is stepping down and, according to all indications, she's jumping into the mayor's race.

Political analysts said the decision by Orleans Parish Municipal Court Chief Judge Desiree Charbonnet could have a big impact.

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Charbonnet has been rumored as a potential candidate for months, but up until recently, she had shied away from all talk and speculation about the mayor's race.

On Wednesday night, she sent an official resignation letter to the state, a move sources close to her said could indicate she's hopping into the mayor's race.

In Louisiana, a sitting judge cannot seek another elected position, except another judgeship, without first stepping down.

WDSU caught up with Charbonnet, who is a 48-year old Democrat, on Friday afternoon and asked her about the race and any upcoming announcements.

"I am still bound by judicial canons and my resignation is effective tonight (Friday) at midnight, so I can say I love this city and the people here even more, and my commitment to that is not ending," said Charbonnet.

Two other candidates have already announced they're running for mayor: District B City Councilwoman Latoya Cantrell and former Judge Michael Bagneris.

Bagneris ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2014.

The current mayor, Mitch Landrieu, is barred by term limits from seeking a third term. Qualifying for the mayor's race happens in July.